An Eagle Scout died on Friday.
Graham Champion of Montgomery County’s Pike Road earned his Eagle Scout as a youth in 1966, but he never stopped scouting.
Champion served his community and other scouts throughout his life, culminating in his recognition as the 2023 Outstanding Eagle Scout by the National Eagle Scout Association. Graham served as the President of the Tukabatchee Area Council since 2022 and was a longtime member of the Council Executive Board.
In that capacity, Champion served through the transition of Boy Scouts of America to a very different organization, with a name change to “Scouting America.” While Champion was quiet about the new name, he was vocal about the process used for the change. It was thrust upon scouting from the top down and did not involve enough input from local leaders like Champion. He let that be known.
That was Graham Champion. In his profession of lobbying, in his leadership in Rotary International and in each aspect of his life, he wanted things done the right way.
A well-meaning person once said to Graham Champion, “You used to be an Eagle Scout.” Champion smiled and replied, “Thank you. I AM an Eagle Scout.” That was Graham.
Born on September 20, 1952, Graham dedicated his life to his family, faith and community. He was the proud owner of Public Strategies LLC, a lobbying firm where he represented clients across the United States. His leadership extended beyond his profession, as he previously held key leadership positions with the American Bankers Association, Financial Services Roundtable, Fannie Mae National Advisory Council, and the Business Council of Alabama.
A devoted member of the Montgomery Rotary Club, Graham served as president, assistant district governor and district membership chair throughout his career. His commitment to service was recognized through his distinction as a "Paul Harris Fellow" based on his work to ensure Tuskegee University was honored by the Rotary Foundation for their work in developing the polio vaccine.
There’s a chapter of Alabama history that could have easily been lost – Tuskegee’s vital role in the polio vaccine. Because of the leadership of Graham Champion, it will be remembered. That was Graham.
Graham cherished time with his family and is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Champion of Pike Road.
A celebration of Graham’s life will be held on Monday, February 17, at 3 p.m. at Leak Memory Chapel in Montgomery, Alabama.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler writes about Alabama’s people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
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